Sighing she entered her classroom quickly walking straight to the front of the class. She pretty much breezed through her first two classes. She had no real urge to properly teach, maybe tomorrow she would. It was going to be an extremely long day and she was none too happy. But as it stood today she wanted it to be over with and she wanted her bed and a big bag of chocolate. Stupid Adrien and his stupid idiotic behaviour were making her stress and crave bad food for her body. She cursed him and cursed him relentlessly as she went on through her lessons. She was a little distracted and even at the end of her first class almost forgot to assign them homework. Of course she didn't forget exactly her mind was just on another problem then grading a stupid paper.
Once her first two classes were done she knew she had about an hour before her next class showed up. That one would contain her cousin and her husband. She sat behind her desk putting her feet on the desk she leaned back in the chair. She rubbed at her temples to get the stupid headache to go away. She began to think about everything so far that had happened. Everything that had happened with Adrien in the small classroom when it had been just the two of them. She blushed crimson as she remembered his words "But I want to play nice with a certain witch". Did he really mean what she was thinking? Did he maybe have some sort of feelings for her? After all that the two of them had been through. Yes their first encounter was all that Edward knew about but there were many after that. He had for a long time restlessly stalked her. She had never known why he had she figured it was stupid fascination with the stupid human. Albus had convinced him to finally leave her be so the last 5 or so years she'd been living stress free. Remarkable how one man comes back into her life and manages to frustrate and stress her to the point that she was thinking of killing him. Then again who wouldn't want to kill the bastard she thought smugly.
Smiling slightly though she couldn't help but laugh about how she had reacted to something as stupid as Adrien blowing her a kiss? It was so stupid she thought. Through her years there were other guys who had done worse to her. But a simple thing as blowing a kiss to her in the Great Hall had upset her so much. The stupid action had her so flabbergasted and quickly trying to explain to everyone especially Albus. Adrien knew exactly how to push her buttons and she was beginning to think he even enjoyed getting a rise out of her. She thought about Edwards words "If you both could get over the past I believe that you two could be good friends if you let it." What did Edward even mean by those words? Did Adrien tell them about what had happened between the two of them last night? If he did he would be so dead she thought. That would be so embarrassing. She wasn't even going to tell Albus about what had happened.
"That is an odd way to get ready for your next class Kaley." The bastard's familiar voice sounded from the direction of her door.
Grimacing she lifted her head a little to see him grinning at her. She couldn't help but marvel at the way he looked. The way Adrien stood regal and almost noble looking. Albus seemed to have gotten him a pair of professors dress robes. So he was dressed from head to foot in black, but damn did he ever make it look good. All that black blended in with his long hair that he had tied into a ponytail to keep out of the way. His piercing grey eyes had always intrigued Kaley. She wondered how people even vampires got grey eyes like those. They were gorgeous and Kaley rarely ever took a chance to look at them. She knew what he could do with those eyes of his. As pretty as they were they were extremely dangerous to a human. Quickly diverting her eyes she was surprised to see how the robes fit him immaculately. You could see everything from his chest muscular and strong to the muscles in his legs. She could see his triceps that seemed to cling to the material. She wondered if he was dressed in silk, the material seemed to cling to his body so precisely. This was ridiculous she was ogling the man for Christ sakes. What the hell was wrong with her?
Blushing Kaley moved quickly to sit up to avert her eyes away from his amazing body. She moved too quickly and ended up falling out of her chair and on her ass. Grumbling she sighed shaking her head. What was going on with her? Was he using some sort of charm to beguile her into liking him? This was ridiculous Kaley had known this bastard for years and years now. She had tried millions of times to actually kill him. Why was she acting like she had a school girl crush on him all of a sudden? She remained on the floor and plopping her head in her hands. She wished more then ever that she could cry and just cry. She was so afraid of him and yet she couldn't help but stare at him when he was like this. When he wasn't being so mean and cruel to her she liked to stare at him. She had always liked him more so then any mortal should. She had eve liked him at first meeting him years ago at the meeting that almost took her life. Something was wrong with her she just knew it but couldn't place it.
"I can't imagine that down there is all to comfortable for you Kaley." His sweet silky voice sounded it almost felt like it wrapped around her comforting her.
She looked up at him and saw his hand extended towards her with a kind and sweet smile on his face. For the first time ever she allowed him to help her. She allowed him to see how upset and confused she was as she took his hand. Grasping his hand he pulled her up with little or no effort at all. She was probably still crimson as she turned away from him and went to look out the window. Placing both her hands on the windows edge she felt the cold rock and it almost felt a little comforting. As though the rock could help pull her out of what ever mess she had gotten herself into. She saw the children out at Hagrid's little hut for Care of Magical Creatures. She loved Hagrid he was such a sweet and kind man, he had always made her feel welcome no matter how young or how inexperienced she was. He had been so kind to her after the incident, he had even offered to help her to rehabilitation.
"What is the matter Kaley?" Adrien whispered besides her placing his hand on the window's edge not inches away from her hands.
She didn't answer him she simply bowed her head and closed her eyes. If she looked at him she would lose it. She took a deep breath in and tried to calm her pounding heart. She really didn't like him this close to her at the moment. With her acting so human so stupid she thought cursing herself a little bit for being so dense. He was a vampire a vampire that on many occasions had tried to kill her. She had never known why he hated her so much to hunt and stalk her. But she had to remember that he was a monster a monster that could kill her. A monster that was probably just toying and playing around with her to get close enough to finish her off.
"Kaley I don't understand what is going on with you today." Adrien stated sighing himself staring at her deeply, "Please answer me."
"What do you want me to say Adrien?" Kaley whispered softly her eyes still shut tightly though they begged for her to let them look at him.
"Anything Kaley!" Adrien stated exasperated shaking his head, "This isn't the Kaley I know and care about."
"Care about?" Kaley stated her eyes snapping open as she looked at him, "What do you mean care about?"
"I wasn't joking with you last night Kaley. That's what I came here to talk to you about." Adrien stated grabbing her hand he was slightly surprised that she didn't yank it away from him, "I do want to play nice with you in a more meaningful way though."
"Are you absolutely kidding me?" Kaley said tears forming in her eyes. For once she allowed him to see this weakness she'd probably kill herself later for it, "After everything that has happened between us. All those near death experiences that I had to go through with you, in order to simply stay the same person that I am."
"But you're not the same person Kaley!" Adrien said rolling his eyes, "You change every day. You slowly withdraw yourself from everyone. Even everyone here at the school, you slowly begin to feel too connected and have to shield yourself away."
"No I don't!" Kaley said blinking her tears away quickly.
"Yes you do and don't argue for once in your life just listen to what someone is telling you!" Adrien snapped at her his voice carrying all his frustration but his eyes showing her his comfort and softness, "Please for once don't fight with me and just listen to what I have to say."
"Fine says what you want." Kaley said she felt her face burning a little. He had never spoken to her like this. He was being so forceful but still trying his best not to scare her.
"Thank you Kaley." Adrien replied nodding his head to her, "You do change every single day. Yes you've changed for the better each time. You've shielded yourself from your family the Cullen's. They barely even know who you are anymore and they are your family! They know more about me a complete stranger instead of someone like you. Someone who is as close as a sister to them. The students here only know half the story and even Albus you hide things from him. It's as though you're withdrawing yourself from everyone. I'm not sure if it's to protect yourself or them. But you've lost yourself now. That is why you're so confused about me. Yes I've hurt you but I couldn't control myself. I was so unprepared for the way you were. Kaley before I had met you the decades that I've lived by myself. Truthfully and honestly I had never met someone whose blood sang to me like yours had that first day I met you."
"Oh my god!" Kaley said her eyes wide with surprise.
"I know it's pathetic but I really had never met someone who has been able to affect me like that." Adrien went on his voice strong and confident but still his eyes held that caring soft look, "Kaley the first time we met I hadn't expected you to cut yourself in front of me. I would've left the beginning of the meeting but I did believe in your ideals and didn't want to show you disrespect."
"Why couldn't you just have explained to me afterwards?" Kaley asked softly her eyes staring down there hands.
"Would you have believed me?" Adrien said a little bit of laughter escaping his throat.
"Maybe but we don't know now." Kaley said taking a calming breath she asked, "Where does that leave us now? Not as though we could ever be together in this world."
"You can't at least consider what it would be like to be together?" Adrien asked his voice sounded like it was pleading with her, "I can see the way your eyes take me in sometimes when your guard is down. I know you want to be with me."
She shook her head trying to stay resolute in her purpose, "No I can't, and I don't want to turn into a vampire ever! I couldn't bare the thought of you staying with me while I slowly age and whither away."
"Maybe closer to the end of your life you would want to be changed." Adrien said his voice sounding desperate with her.
"No Adrien that will not change. I'm human now and I will die human." Kaley stated slowly she withdrew her hand from his, "Well as human as I possibly can."
"But you're not a normal human you will still live longer then a normal human being Kaley!" Adrien stated with a bit of his nonchalant laugh again, "Isn't that right? There won't be someone to take your place until the Nexus tells you they have been conceived."
"Adrien I can't do this." Kaley whispered slowly backing away from him. It was so hard for her to do this a part of her told her to just forget everything and run away with him. But that stupid logical side told her that she couldn't, "I have responsibilities besides we don't know if I will live longer then normal humans. You never know this may be my last year teaching."
"What?" Adrien stated he couldn't believe what he was hearing. She couldn't have heard the Nexus telling her. Not Kaley she just couldn't have.
"I'm not strong enough for the Nexus I know that." Kaley whispered softly keeping her head down away from his piercing gaze, "The next girl will be coming soon I think."
"Please tell me this isn't for real Kaley?" Adrien stated he moved forward to grab her hands holding them tentatively as if she was going to die now, "Please don't tell me that you've heard the Nexus telling you."
"Adrien I've just been hearing some things from the Nexus lately." Kaley said closing her eyes, "I'm not a 100% sure but every fiber in my being is telling me that something is wrong. Something with me isn't right that's why I keep taking you in all of you. Why I've been so emotional lately. My behavior is not mine; I believe it's the Nexus."
LINE BREAK
Edward climbed the stairs with Bella slowly but surely going towards there next class. Most of the time he didn't even bother to pay attention in class. It was just all too boring and he really couldn't care if he passed or not. All that mattered at the moment was finding a way to help Kaley and to help Bella with her guilt. He took a look at her and could instantly tell that she was thinking of Kaley. He felt so horrible that she couldn't help Kaley the way she wanted because he had turned her.
"I'm sorry Bella." He finally whispered as they arrived at the door for there next class.
"For what Edward?" Bella asked giving him a smile.
"For turning you, I know you wish that you could help Kaley more so now." Edward whispered softly avoiding her gaze. A part of him was thrilled that h head Bella but a part of him ate away at him.
"It was my decision to let you do that to me Edward." Bella whispered taking his hand in hers squeezing it sympathetically, "I love you and that's never going to change."
"You're so amazing I can't believe you some days." Edward stated giving her a dazzling smile, "I love you Bella."
"What do you think Kaley's class is going to be like?" Bella asked smiling fully now, "I am so nervous."
"Professor Kaley's classes are amazing you'll love them!" a boy with a wide grin stated enthusiastically, "Trust me none of you will be disappointed with her classes!"
Edward looked at him and saw that he had jet black hair with piercing green eyes. His smile was genuine and he was a good person he could tell that instantly. To his disbelief he saw a scar on his forehead in the shape of a lightening bolt. That was just a little too odd he thought. But everything in this world was weird. He saw that the boy wasn't alone he had another boy on his right and a girl on his left. They both seemed to be good people as well. The second boy had blazing red hair with a freckled face that made you wonder where his skin was. His eyes were full of life and he could see that he had a light heart about him. The girl had a soft smile that seemed to bring her face to life when she smiled. She had bushy brown hair that seemed to go everywhere. It looked like she tried to tame it but to no avail. He thought briefly that Alice could help her with her hair maybe he should suggest it to his lovely sister.
"Really well we know her personally so were really excited to see her teaching." Bella stated laughing a little, "I mean she never tells us anything about the kind of world that she lives in."
"How do you know Professor Kaley?" the girl asked looking a little suspicious, "We know her really well too she's been such a kind soul to Hogwarts."
"Well I'm her cousin Isabella Cullen but everyone calls me Bella!" Bella responded still smiling as she gestured to Edward, "This is my boyfriend Edward."
"Kaley has family?" the boy with the blazing red hair asked scepticism in his voice.
"Yeah she has family back in Forks and California." Bella replied a little stunned by the tone of his voice, "She practically raised me and took care of me while growing up. That is she did do all that after her parents were killed in a car crash and she came to live with my mom and me."
"Bella I don't believe you should be telling everyone about Kaley's past." Edward said softly squeezing her hand warning her that Kaley was a private person. He hoped that she would get the point and stop.
"Well if you're a family of Kaley's you are definitely family of mine Bella!" the jet black haired boy stated extending his hand, "My name is Harry Potter. This Ron Weasley and this is Hermione Granger."
"You consider yourself that close to Kaley?" Bella asked as she shook his hand.
"Kaley helped me a lot in my first year especially with the fact that she's an orphan and I'm an orphan as well." Harry stated smiling peacefully.
"I'm so sorry to hear that Harry." Bella stated apologetically.
"I think we should stop this Bella." Edward whispered dangerously getting a bad feeling.
"Why are you being like this Edward? What is the problem?" Bella demanded turning to him glaring at him a little.
"Look you know Kaley as well as I do she's not going to be happy about you talking about her past." Edward said taking side looks at the three new strangers, "Now please stop."
Before Edward could say anymore on the subject the door to the classroom busted up abruptly. Confused Edward went forward only to jump out of the way quickly as he saw Adrien with Kaley in his arms running. Edward got one look at Kaley and saw her face twisted in pain her eyes wide open. Where he once would have seen those kind green eyes he saw an endless black. A deep black that just with one look had chilled his already cold dead heart. What was going on? His fear and curiosity propelled him out and after Adrien. He simply forgot Bella in his curiosity and ran after Adrien. He continued to run dodging and weaving around all the students. He kept Adrien in his line of site the entire time following him. Before he knew it he had followed Adrien to the hospital wing.
Rushing in to the wing he saw Adrien screaming for someone to come and help. He ran to Kaley's side only to see her mouth open up in an endless scream that gave no sound. He couldn't believe what was happening. What had Adrien done to upset Kaley like this? What could ever cause someone to become like this? She moved around or more so thrashed around her mouth open with that scream. Adrien held her down in place with one arm his strength overwhelming her efforts to get free. He had never been this scared in his life ever. Especially scared of Kaley she wasn't like this at all. He could hardly believe what was happening when Kaley's hand grabbed Adrien's arm. He was more so surprised to see that as she touched Adrien a hissing sound began. He was shocked to see smoke coming from where Kaley was touching him.
"Release me." Kaley stated but it sounded nothing like her. It sounded and came out like a growl. He had never heard Kaley talk like that before.
"Kaley wake up I know you're in there just wake up!" Adrien screamed at Kaley.
"Adrien what's going on?" Edward yelled at the man.
"Edward what the hell are you doing here?" Adrien snapped at him his face full of anger, "Get out of here now!"
"I came to see what was wrong with Kaley." Edward stated looking back at Kaley. He was shocked to see those black bottomless eyes took him in, "She's family I have to make sure she's alright!"
Kaley's mouth wasn't open in a scream it was just simply there a thin line of a smirk on her pale face. He saw her face all of it this time. Her face was so deathly pale then it usually was. It was as if whatever was happening to her was taking away her life. Beads of sweat were on her forehead her cheek bones were tight with the pain she was in. He could barely contain himself. He didn't want to see her in such pain Kaley meant too much to him and his family. Kaley especially meant so much to Bella. Ever since they had arrived all of them were trying to figure out how to help Kaley. Edward couldn't help but feel a pain in his arm but couldn't force his gaze to look away from hers. He was trapped in those black pits that were her eyes. What was going on? Edward fought against that gaze noting how cruel and evil it was. This wasn't Kaley; this was something else that was in her. Edward had a brief thought that this must be the Nexus that was inside her.
He could hardly bare the pain that his arm was causing him. Whatever Kaley was doing to him it was a burning scorching pain that just made him want to cry out. But he was frozen completely enthralled with those black eyes. That's when he saw the flicker of green in the corner and realized Kaley was fighting. She could see what she was doing and wanted to stop. He silently prayed to her to fight it to come back to her old self. He wanted to voice what he was silently sending to her as a pray but that gaze wouldn't let him gain control of his body.
"Enough!" Kaley screamed ripping her gaze from Edward releasing him from her horrible gaze.
Edward fell down to the ground weak and terribly faint. He felt Adrien pick him up and set him on a bed looking away from Kaley. Edward took a glance at his face and saw how stricken and worried he looked. He really cared for Kaley enough that the pain in his own arm hadn't stopped him from trying to help her. She had lost control of the Nexus and it was happy to take advantage of this tiny opening to control her. He looked down at Adrien's arm and saw that it was scorched black. In the shape of Kaley's small hand the flesh that she had touched was black as her eyes had been. What had she done? Edward quickly looked at his own arm but only saw scratch marks. Why had she simply scratched Edward but had left such a horrible mark on Adrien?
"Kaley is that you?" Adrien asked his voice soft and full of hope. Edward didn't dare look over just in case he'd get caught in those black eyes.
"Adrien I'm here." Kaley whispered her voice so weak and shaky.
Edward had never heard Kaley sound like that before. He took a glance over and instantly saw that her green eyes were full of tears. This wasn't Kaley this was still the monster. Kaley didn't show her tears like that. Edward jumped off the bed and ran to Adrien pulling him back from her.
"Edward what the hell are you doing?" Adrien snapped his anger coursing through him, "Get back to the bed and stay out of this."
"That's not Kaley Adrien!" Edward stated struggling to stop him, "Look at her eyes she has tears in them. Kaley doesn't show her tears like that. She never shows tears only one remember please remember. Her mother had taught her that a long time ago only one tear."
"What are you talking about Kaley shows tears like that all the time." Adrien stated his voice so harsh and angry, "Now get off of me!"
"Edward I promise it's me and not the Nexus." Kaley whispered softly looking at the struggling Edward against Adrien, "I won't cry my tears but I will show them because I am so sorry. Edward please tell me how I can prove that I am me."
"What was the first thing I told you after you found about the truth of why your parents had to die?" Edward stated his voice cold. He was alone when he had found Kaley trying to cry like a normal person. He had comforted her he understood that she missed her family she missed being a part of something.
"You told me that I have a new family a family that would go to the ends of the earth and back for me." Kaley struggled to sit up as she looked at Edward, "You told me that I would never have to be alone ever again because I had a supernaturally gifted family."
"Now do you trust her Edward?" Adrien snapped feeling the young vampires slacken in his hold, "I can understand your suspicion but the Nexus can never control Kaley's body and suppress her mind for long."
"No it can't Edward but I won't lie to you that it is getting stronger." Kaley stated looking to Adrien, "That only means one thing when it says to 'Release me' and it's just my luck isn't it Adrien."
"No we don't know that for sure." Adrien snapped coming closer to her he grabbed her hand. She shook her head and took her hand out of his as she got to her feet.
"Kaley are you alright?" Albus came around the corner his voice lined a little with worry as he took in her appearance.
"Yes of course I am Albus!" Kaley stated forcing a smile to her face as she took two steps and almost fainted. Everyone moved to help her but Kaley shook her head, "No I can do this on my own please don't help me."
Edward had never seen Kaley so resolute in walking out of the hospital wing on her own. He knew she was strong but what she had just gone through had looked like it was painful. How could she possibly think that she was capable of getting up and walking?
"Is it true Adrien?" Albus asked facing the older vampire, "Tell me right now did it say to release it?"
"I'm afraid it did Albus." Adrien replied his head downcast.
"What does that mean?" Edward asked bringing the attention of the two of them to him.
"It means that Kaley isn't going to make past this year." Adrien stated locking eyes with Edward, "We don't have very long with Kaley. She's going to die this year."
"No that can't happen!" Edward shouted, "She's too strong and she just can't die not yet not here!"
"I'm afraid that in all the cases with the girls who have to hold the Nexus inside of them there is always one thing in common." Albus stated softly he took the young vampire and led him back to the bed to sit on, "Edward these girls are special yes and they vary from the tall to the small to the strong to the weak. The Nexus chooses them for some strange reason.
"When it comes time for a new person to take on the Nexus there is usually three signs. The first one is that they are very emotional about everything. The second is the Nexus coming up in an emotional conversation taking control. As you saw taking control of Kaley they usually have enough time to tell everyone one thing. That would to release it. The third is the weakness they start to show in the couple of months before they die. In the last couple of months she has left Kaley will have no strength what so ever. She will literally fall a part as the Nexus takes all her strength in order to move to the next girl."
"There is nothing we can do to help her is there?" Edward whispered softly, "I don't want her to die."
"Do you honestly think any of want Kaley to die Edward?" Adrien snapped exasperated by the youth he couldn't stand it anymore.
"I'm afraid all we can do is make her last couple of months as comfortable as we possibly can." Albus whispered tears brimming his eyes.